Newcastle are looking to strengthen their midfield in the January transfer window, potentially at the expense of Manchester City and Liverpool.
Eddie Howe still standing strong after Newcastle United’s ‘fantastic night’ against PSG
Newcastle are said to be leading the race for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, while top European clubs are also interested to this player.
So far this season, scoring once and providing three assists in seven league matches.
Eddie Howe’s side have started the season well, winning four of their first eight matches and finishing eighth in the Premier League.
Newcastle have also handled Champions League matches well, with their 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month showing the team is capable of taking on any level of top-flight sides.
The Magpies have reaped the rewards of adding some talent to their already strong squad.
The addition of Sandro Tonali has added quality and experience to their midfield, with Tino Livramento and Harvey Barnes also impressing when called upon.
Newcastle are now looking to bolster their ranks in the January transfer window, and such a strong start to the campaign could convince the higher powers at St James’ Park that for now they need big-name signings if the team is to achieve its title target.
Next level and earn trophies.
According to SPORT, Germany international Wirtz has been identified as a target, with Manchester City and Liverpool, among others, monitoring his situation.
The Magpies are said to be among the favorites to secure the 20-year-old’s signature, despite Leverkusen having to pay a fee of around £87 million to part ways with the midfielder.
The playmaker’s hefty price tag has become a stumbling block for interested parties, with Barcelona recently withdrawing from the race to secure his services.
Howe has been keen to add creativity to his midfield over the past 12 months, with James Maddison considered a top target on Tyneside before moving to Tottenham.
However, the England international’s absence could be seen as a blessing in disguise at Newcastle as Wirtz is the most creative young player in Europe.
Squawka said that since the start of the 2021/22 season, the No.
10 has created more chances than any U23 player in Europe’s top five leagues – an average of 3.
12 per 90 minutes.
Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai (2.
43), Wolves’ Pedro Neto (2.
27) and Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise (2.
22) also feature in the top 10, although Wirtz is higher statistically compared to others.
It remains to be seen whether Newcastle will decide to sign this exciting prospect in the January transfer window or opt to sign a more defensive player due to the risk of Tonali spending some time on the bench , with the FA of Italian football.
is currently investigating allegations of illegal betting activities involving the former AC Milan star.
